Violet
I shoved the rest of the things inside without even organising them and slung the heavy bag over my shoulder with more force than necessary. The weight pulled at my back, but I welcomed the discomfort. It was something to focus on besides the hollow ache in my chest.
I needed to get away from him.
Rowan stood near, watching me.
"Don't follow me."
I glared at him as I passed, daring him to say something. To try to stop me.
He didn't.
I headed back toward the lake. My skin felt sticky with dried sweat and the residue of last night's panic.
When I reached the water's edge, I dropped the bag and checked to see if he was close before I started stripping off my clothes. Thankfully, he wasn't.
The water was cold when I waded in, shocking against my overheated skin. I dunked myself completely, letting the chill steal my breath for a moment before surfacing.
But the hollow feeling settled deeper with each passing second.
The irony wasn't lost on me.
